The Department for International Development said its International Corruption Unit would draw on the success of anti-corruption work undertaken by other UK investigative and intelligence units, including London’s Metropolitan Police Service and the National Crime Agency.

ICU will probe bribery and money laundering involving developing nations and help introduce a greater focus on preventative action.

The push to set up the unit follows a steady and substantial increase in individuals and companies who see developing countries as “fair game” for overseas bribery and corruption.

Launching ICU yesterday, UK International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “Corruption is not only picking the pockets of the poor, it is an enemy of prosperity and a brake on a country’s development. Through the International Corruption Unit, the best of British law enforcement will step up our aid work combating corruption head on across the developing world.”

The unit will be based at the National Crime Agency and be the central point for investigating international corruption in the UK, including money laundered through Britain. It will also investigate UK nationals and companies who engage in bribery or other corrupt practices in developing countries.

Jon Benton, joint head of ICU, said: “The work we’re doing is absolutely vital for helping countries get back what is rightfully theirs.”